SA vs Zimbabwe: What’s the weather like next door?
· The South African
South Africa and Zimbabwe share a border, but conditions on either side can tell a very different story this Wednesday.
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A look at forecasts for 7 October shows how conditions vary across the two neighbouring countries.
What South Africa can expect
Much of South Africa can expect relatively settled conditions on Wednesday.
Clear to mostly clear skies are expected across several inland provinces, including Gauteng, Limpopo, North West, the Free State and Northern Cape.
Temperatures will vary considerably across the country. Pretoria is expected to reach around 29°C, while Johannesburg and Polokwane should reach the mid to upper 20s.
Conditions become less settled towards some eastern and coastal areas, where cloud, drizzle or rain may develop.
Coastal conditions also require attention in areas affected by strong winds and rough seas.
What weather conditions can Zimbabwe can expect
Zimbabwe faces a more unsettled weather on Wednesday.
The Meteorological Services Department expects conditions to start partly cloudy, windy and cool in some areas before temperatures rise during the day.
Cloud cover should increase during the afternoon, with scattered thunderstorms expected across parts of the country.
Forecasters have also warned that some thunderstorms could produce hail.
Conditions will vary from one part of Zimbabwe to another, so not everyone will experience a thunderstorm.
SA vs Zimbabwe at a glance
South AfricaZimbabweOverall pictureMostly settled across much of the interiorMore unsettled in partsWarmer areasTemperatures approach or exceed the upper 20s in several areasWarm daytime conditions across several areasRain riskMainly concentrated in some eastern and coastal areasScattered thunderstorms possibleStorm riskLimited across much of the interiorThunderstorms possible in partsMain concernWind and rough coastal conditions in affected areasThunderstorms and possible hailDifferent conditions despite sharing a border
Weather does not change simply because you cross an international border.
South Africa and Zimbabwe sit close together, and weather systems can move between the two countries. However, altitude, moisture, wind patterns and the position of weather systems can affect where rain and thunderstorms develop.
That means one side of the border can experience sunshine while areas not far away see clouds building or thunderstorms developing.
Wednesday provides a good example of those differences.
While much of South Africa’s interior experiences relatively settled conditions, parts of Zimbabwe have a greater chance of thunderstorms.
The comparison also shows why travellers should check forecasts for their destination rather than assuming conditions will remain the same after crossing the border.